Tesla, BMW in talks over batteries, lightweight parts

Tesla’s Chief Executive Elon Musk told German weekly Der Spiegel that the California-based automaker and BMW are in talks with BMW over a possible partnership …

Tesla’s Chief Executive Elon Musk told German weekly Der Spiegel that the California-based automaker and BMW are in talks with BMW over a possible partnership in batteries and lightweight components.

The news come with no surprise. For month, we have learned that the companies have met to discuss the future of electric vehicle and with Tesla building a battery factory in Nevada, the alliance seemed more probable than ever. While BMW is a leader now in producing carbon fiber lightweight parts, Tesla is shaping up to the be at the forefront of the next battery technology so a partnership only seems the logical step.

In an interview published on Sunday, Musk described BMW’s production of carbon fibre reinforced car body parts as “interesting” and “relatively cost efficient.”

“We are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology or charging stations,” Musk was quoted as saying in the interview.

Rival Daimler, owner of the Mercedes brand, said last month it would continue to collaborate with Tesla even after selling its remaining four percent stake in the U.S. company, so essentially this shouldn’t stop Tesla to collaborate with BMW.

Tesla’s CEO Musk also told Der Spiegel that he expects Tesla to have a battery production plant in Germany in five to six years.

A spokeswoman for Tesla in Germany later described the discussions as informal. “The conversation between Elon Musk and BMW has been a casual conversation, and not about a formal cooperation,” spokeswoman Kathrin Schira said.”